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The Washington Humane Society (WHS), the only Congressionally-chartered animal welfare agency in the United States, has been the area’s leading voice for animals since 1870. As the open-access shelter in the Nation’s Capital, the Washington Humane Society provides comfort and care to nearly 30,000 animals each year through its broad range of programs and services including sheltering, adoption, spay and neuter, CatNiPP, Humane Law Enforcement, lost and found, human–animal therapy programs and Humane Education.

Charted by Congress 140 years ago, WHS established the city’s first public housing facility for stray and unwanted animals. A year later, WHS pioneered the creation of the District’s first ever animal cruelty law and for a period of time in the late 1800s, WHS also was given the power to investigate cases of child abuse.

Throughout the years, the organization has helped spearhead new legislation to protect the animals that live in the nation’s capital. In the 1960s and 70s, WHS helped DC create laws to prevent animal hoarding, and better health standards for pet shops and medical research clinics.

In 2001, after years of upholding and enforcing District animal cruelty laws, WHS was successful in its campaign to make animal cruelty a felony level crime. Just months after the law was enacted, a man was convicted of felony animal cruelty in Washington, DC and was put behind bars for two years for stabbing and killing his pet dog.

WHS operates two shelter locations; our private shelter at 7319 Georgia Avenue, as well as the District of Columbia Animal Care and Control Facility (under contract by the Department of Health) at 1201 New York Avenue. In addition to the two animal shelters, WHS operates a low-cost, high-volume spay and neuter facility. The National Capital Area Spay & Neuter Center serves the entire Washington, DC metro area and is located at 1001 L Street, NE, in the heart of Capitol Hill. WHS also has a new animal training facility called the Behavior and Learning Center, located at 7315 Georgia Avenue, NW.

The organization’s administrative offices are located at 4590 Macarthur Boulevard, NW.

WHS has nearly 100 dedicated employees, 21 distinguished members on the Board of Directors and more than 300 active volunteers.

More from Washington Humane Society

Hobie is Learning New Tricksposted on Monday, January 7, 2013 - 5:15pm“Hobie (formerly Brinks) is just a darling. He sits, stays, shakes, and has a perfect ‘down,’ when not distracted, of course! He's learning to ‘fetch the paper’ and to ‘wait’ before charging through...read more...

Foster Monday: Pepperposted on Monday, August 6, 2012 - 11:20amThis week we get to know Pepper! Pepper is enjoying life with her foster caregiver, our own VP, External Affairs & Chief Programs Officer Scott Giacoppo. Learn more about this feisty kitty below...read more...

WHS Alumni Update: August 3, 2012posted on Friday, August 3, 2012 - 1:24pmCheck out a few happy alumni below. You can help us complete more families this weekend by sharing our Name Your Own Fee cat adoption promotion – adopt a fabulous feline age 6 months or older for the...read more...

Kitten Foster Caregivers Urgently Needed!posted on Monday, July 30, 2012 - 3:18amLove kittens? The Washington Humane Society (WHS) needs your help! You can help save lives by providing space and care for the more than 70 kittens in need during this busy summer season.In the last...read more...

Foster Monday: Sashaposted on Monday, July 23, 2012 - 12:37pmThis week we get to know Sasha! Her foster caregiver Megan Troy shares Sasha’s story with us below. Let’s work together to find her a great home this week!I’m not sure there could be a dog sweeter...read more...

WHS Alumni Update: July 20, 2012posted on Friday, July 20, 2012 - 1:43pmRemember Pagent, our Foster Monday feature, and Rita, our pet of the week? We are thrilled to report they have each been adopted! Pagent is especially pleased to be paired with an active jogger and...read more...

Foster Monday: Pagentposted on Monday, July 16, 2012 - 11:50amThis week we get to know Pagent! Pagent has come out of her shell under the foster care of WHS volunteer Kirsten Stade and family. Help us find Pagent a great forever home this week!Meet Pagent, a...read more...

For Lennox Barnesposted on Saturday, July 14, 2012 - 9:51amBy Lisa LaFontaine, President and CEO, Washington Humane SocietyLennox Barnes’s life has come to a sad and bitter end. His story is heartbreaking and infuriating, with one part incomprehensible...read more...